Channel Islands National Park 101: Essential Tips for First-Time Visitors

Channel Islands National Park is a true gem of the Californian coast, and in this video, we're here to help first-time visitors make the most of their trip. We'll share our insider knowledge on the best ways to reach the islands, the top activities to experience, and the most breathtaking sights to see. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, an avid hiker, or simply looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, this video is packed with essential tips and advice to help you enjoy an incredible first-time visit to Channel Islands National Park. Let us know what we left off in the comments.

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5198 Arlington Ave # 937
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[mikel]

Just what I needed. Concise yet informative. 👍👍

[cmichaelhaugh]

We took a group camping trip to Santa Cruz in 1961 when I was in high school in Santa Barbara. That taste of the islands left me with an appetite for more.

[andrezejobuch]

Great video buddy. Very informative and well documented. Have a great day my friend. Greetings from East Anglia UK 😊😊😊😊😊

[miriammitchell]

Hootey Hoot! Afternoon (from Tampa)! That’s for all your information.

[anthonyhartzog]

This is a nice surprise, I was just watching some of your older channel island videos last week to get ready for my day trip in June.

[violetbf]

Good morning Josh! And happy Sunday 😊
I always thought your favorite park was Yosemite 😁 I haven’t finished the video, but I already know it’ll be great 🙌🏽

[cndexeo]

Awesome video! I need to visit Santa Cruz as I follow the eagle webcams from one of the nests. We call the female "Princess Cruz" as she was the first successful hatch on the island after the eagles were re-introduced. She's still nesting and producing chicks each year!

[markyuen]

Great information to know for each visit. Have a great Memorial Day Weekend, Josh.

[randysvids]

Seeing the Island Foxes was the highlight for me

[trendingwwwandw]

"Channel Islands National Park" looks so fantastic in your video
thanks for the Boat ride details at 4:22
LIKE 225

[AmberStace]

I always look to see if you have a video about a park when I’m planning! Watched one of your older videos awhile back and this was perfect! Looking forward to my trip in August and seeing where your travels take you

[yourlocalexplorers]

really incredible place! California blown us away 😍

[jeanettewaverly]

Good information about one of my favorite national parks!

[kplante]

Nice one. There’s a great video I’ve seen about the islands called “West of the West: Tales From California's Channel Islands”. Well worth a watch.
Thanks for sharing…!

[cami_ille]

Looking for a national park closer to LA and this looks like it'll hit the spot. Wonderful breakdown and informative as always!

[anikindall]

Looking forward to my first trip over this July!

[BoudicasQuest]

I've spent my life in the SF Bay Area and have yet to visit. This is on my list now!

[mixeddrinks]

Not an AD, but highly recommend Andria's Seafood in Ventura Harbor if you like fish and chips!

Also he ain't kidding about the seasickness, I have been on 2-3 boat trips here, and there is always at least 2 people barfing.

[kellyjohnson]

One recommendation for if you want to spend the night before a trip to the islands and don’t have the money to stay at our nicer hotels. Comfort inn and suites Ventura beach is the only one I can personally recommend as a resident of Ventura. Pierpont in is nice and occasionally has reasonable deals. For a day trip, anacspa islands are nice and the east island is the easiest to get to but be prepared for a huge flight of stairs to get up to the one trail and small visitors center. There are put toilets but bring your own hand sanitizer because they go run out. Anacspa east has the gorgeous arch and has probably the best kayaking. Anacspa west is one where they take you almost to shore on rafts do you will get your feet wet and it’s only really enjoyable at low tide. The best part of the island is the back side which you will have to rock scramble and sort of climb to get over to the wave spout and other cool features of that island. No camping on anacspa west but there is on the bluff on anacapa east but there’s not much to do there snd it can get seriously windy. But they are great for day trips. My next goal is to visit Santa Cruz Island and camp there one night. The best thing about day trips is you get to see lots of dolphins and feeding frenzies of sea birds which island packers will at times stop for us tourists to enjoy. You may even see some whales. It’s a great place to visit. Def come early and enjoy vebtura marina. My fav restaurant is hands down Andria’s seafood. Best fish and chips. Made from angel fish. It’s very old school. It’s a fish market with a kitchen and tables which are mostly outdoors. Go and enjoy the food s as bd the boats. Get some ice cream at coastal cone. Take the kids to the arcade and merry go round. If no kids get a bottle of wine at the bar and grilled cheese place next to cafe Cubano. Same owner and carries the same good wines. Or get the Cuban food. Personally I love the grilled cheese sandwich with blue cheese and bacon 🥓 Thanks for posting Josh. As always come back to Ventura and hang out. It’s a fun little town

[NaomiAndTheCrew]

I haven’t had a notification from you in a while. Got some catching up to do